25 rubles — Russian Empire (1769–1773)

Photo: Assignation Bank of Russia, via Wikimedia Commons

Watermark

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Assignats of 1769–1785

The first Russian paper money. The assignats were issued from 1769 by the Assignation Bank (offices in Saint Petersburg and Moscow) on the decree of Catherine II, to reduce the need for silver. The notes are one-sided, with black text and watermarks; at first they were freely exchanged for silver and gold coin, but within a few years the assignat lost value and a floating rate set in (copper coin stayed tied to the assignat rouble). The first-type notes (25, 50, 75 and 100 roubles; from 1774 25, 50 and 100 roubles, with the number printed three times) were issued until 1785 and exchanged one for one for the second type. The 75-rouble notes were withdrawn in 1771, since the 25-rouble notes were too easily altered into them.

Appearance

Twenty-five-rouble assignat of the first type, one-sided, with a blank back. A frame of small squares; at the top centre the number, below it two ovals made by blind embossing (no ink): at left a harbour with trading ships, banners, guns and cannonballs for the strength of the state, with a double-headed eagle between them and the arc "ПОКОИТЪ И ОБОРОНЯЕТЪ"; at right a high rock over the sea. The back is blank. Embossed paper with a watermark of words along the perimeter. Size 190 × 250 mm; dated 1769–1773.

Other items of the period

• 25 rubles (1769–1773) Pick# A1
• 25 rubles (1774–1785) Pick# A5
• 50 rubles (1769–1773) Pick# A2
• 50 rubles (1774–1785) Pick# A6
• 75 rubles (1769–1771) Pick# A3
• 100 rubles (1769–1773) Pick# A4
• 100 rubles (1774–1785) Pick# A7